What Is The World to Come About?
The premise of The World to Come in 303 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the summer of 1856, the rolling hills and dense woods of upstate New York form a quiet, isolated world where the rhythm of farm life is dictated by the seasons and the lingering echo of loss. The modest homestead, surrounded by fields that stretch toward a distant horizon, feels both a sanctuary and a reminder of what has been taken. Light filters through the trees with a soft, almost reverent quality, setting a tone that is both serene and suffused with an unspoken melancholy.
Abigail lives on this land with her husband, a man whose stoic exterior masks a deep sorrow for the child they have lost. Their marriage, once built on shared hopes, is now weighed down by grief and the daily grind of labor, leaving both partners to navigate a fragile intimacy that seems increasingly out of reach. The house they maintain together bears the imprint of their shared past, yet the silence between them grows louder with each passing day.
When a new family settles next door, Tallie arrives like a breath of untamed wind—her free‑spirited demeanor and keen intellect stand in stark contrast to the farm’s measured pace. Though bound by her own marital commitments, she feels a restlessness that mirrors Abigail’s quiet desperation. Their first encounters are marked by tentative conversations that reveal a yearning for connection beyond the confines of duty, hinting at a bond that could redraw the boundaries of their inner lives.
The film unfolds as a delicate meditation on longing and the search for companionship in a world that offers few outlets for desire. Its tone is introspective, the landscape itself acting as a silent confidante to two women who, amidst the whisper of wheat and the hush of night, begin to explore what it means to be seen, heard, and truly understood.
What Happens in The World to Come?
The complete story of The World to Come, from the first scene to the last, in 481 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In the year 1856, set against the rustic backdrop of Schoharie County, New York, the lives of Abigail and Dyer are steeped in solitude as they toil away on their farm, grappling with the profound grief of losing their young daughter, Nellie. This loss hangs heavily over them, casting a long shadow on their once vibrant existence.
Their lives take a turn when a new couple moves in next door. Among them is Tallie, whose presence quickly captivates Abigail. The bond between Abigail and Tallie blossoms into a deep friendship, rich with emotional revelations. In intimate conversations, Abigail shares her feelings of entrapment in a marriage with Dyer that lacks romance, while Tallie speaks of her own struggles with a husband, Finney, who often exhibits a controlling demeanor.
To mark Abigail’s birthday, Tallie surprises her with a long-desired atlas. However, fate intervenes when a fierce storm engulfs Tallie on her way home, nearly claiming her life. Following her recovery, the arrival of spring rekindles the warmth of their friendship, leading to a pivotal moment when Tallie confesses her dreams of a life with Abigail. Overwhelmed by their emotions, they share a passionate kiss, igniting a secret affair that brings both pleasure and turmoil.
As the affair unfolds, Dyer grapples with his own grief, becoming increasingly emotional and suspicious of Abigail’s time spent with Tallie. Simultaneously, Finney, Tallie’s husband, grows uneasy as he notices her extended absences. In a moment of concern, Abigail warns Tallie about the chilling tales of husbands poisoning their wives in the area, deepening the sense of foreboding.
Their lives intersect further when Finney invites Abigail and Dyer to dinner, where he awkwardly broaches the subject of their deceased child. A disturbing atmosphere accompanies the evening, especially when Abigail observes bruises on Tallie’s neck and Finney shares a macabre story of his pet’s demise. Following the encounter, Tallie disappears for a week, prompting Abigail to search for her. The discovery of an empty home, accompanied only by a bloodied kerchief, sends shivers down Abigail’s spine, leading her to suspect foul play.
Ultimately, a letter from Tallie reveals she has moved 85 miles away to the area of Skaneateles in Onondaga County. Despite Dyer’s reluctance, Abigail decides to visit Tallie. Tragically, upon their arrival, they learn of Tallie’s death, officially attributed to diphtheria. Fractured memories invade Abigail’s mind—passionate encounters with Tallie clash with unsettling visions of Finney cradling her.
Returning to her farm life, Abigail and Dyer strive to maintain their partnership, yet they remain emotionally distant. In her solitude, Abigail finds herself consumed by dark thoughts, envisioning scenarios where she might one day kill Finney. As comfort eludes her, she seeks solace in the imagined reunion of Nellie and Tallie in the afterlife, and when Dyer prompts her to envision something that could alleviate their shared grief, Abigail’s imagination cruelly reconfigures their reality, casting Tallie in Dyer’s place.
The World to Come Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Isolation in Schoharie County” to “Life After Loss”. 5 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Isolation in Schoharie County
In 1856, Abigail and Dyer live a secluded life as farmers in Schoharie County, New York. They are deeply affected by the tragic loss of their young daughter, Nellie, which has left a void in their lives and a strain on their marriage.
When:1856 Where:Schoharie County, New York
- 2
New Neighbors Arrive
A new couple, Tallie and Finney, moves in next door, and Abigail is immediately drawn to Tallie. This marks the beginning of an unexpected and profound friendship between the two women, providing Abigail with a sense of companionship that she has been missing.
Where:Schoharie County, New York
- 3
Confessions of Marital Strife
During their friendship, Abigail shares her feelings of discontentment with her marriage to Dyer, revealing it is based more on practicality than love. In turn, Tallie confides in Abigail about the difficulties she faces with her controlling husband, Finney.
- 4
A Thoughtful Gift
For Abigail's birthday, Tallie gifts her a long-desired atlas, emphasizing the bond that has developed between them. This gesture signifies not only a deepening friendship but also a shared escape from their respective marital issues.
- 5
A Dangerous Storm
After the birthday celebration, Tallie encounters a violent storm on her way home. The near-fatal experience leaves her shaken, prompting Finney to take her away to recuperate, which temporarily interrupts her visits to Abigail.
- 6
Springtime Reunions
Once spring arrives, Tallie resumes her visits with Abigail, reaffirming their deepening connection. As they spend time together, the emotional intensity between them grows, revealing an undeniable desire.
- 7
A Hidden Affair
Their friendship blossoms into a romantic affair when Abigail and Tallie kiss, expressing their mutual feelings. They begin secretly meeting, which brings both joy and turmoil to Abigail's life as her marriage becomes increasingly strained.
- 8
Growing Jealousy
As Abigail becomes emotionally invested in her relationship with Tallie, Dyer notices her absence and grows increasingly concerned. Meanwhile, Tallie's husband, Finney, becomes aware of her frequent disappearances, leading to mounting tensions.
- 9
Dinner with Finney
Finney invites Abigail and Dyer to dinner, during which he awkwardly brings up the topic of their deceased child. Abigail notices strange bruises on Tallie's neck, heightening her fear for her friend's safety amid unsettling behavior from Finney.
- 10
Tallie's Disappearance
After an uncomfortable dinner, Tallie goes missing for a week. Abigail's search leads her to an empty house and a bloody kerchief, igniting her suspicions of foul play amid a backdrop of growing dread about Tallie's safety.
Show the other 5 events of The World to Come Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Devastating News
Abigail receives a letter from Tallie, revealing that she has moved 85 miles away to Skaneateles. The news strikes Abigail hard, intensifying her worry and longing for their lost connection.
Where:Skaneateles, Onondaga County
- 12
The Journey to Find Tallie
Determined not to lose Tallie, Abigail insists on visiting her despite Dyer's reluctance. This journey symbolizes Abigail's commitment to confronting her feelings and the evolving dynamics of her life.
- 13
Tragic Reunion
Upon reaching Tallie's new location, Abigail learns the heartbreaking news of her death, which Finney attributes to diphtheria. This revelation shatters Abigail, as she grapples with the loss of her beloved friend.
Where:Skaneateles, Onondaga County
- 14
Haunting Memories
In a series of flashbacks, Abigail recalls intimate moments shared with Tallie, juxtaposed with memories of Finney holding Tallie before her collapse. These haunting recollections reveal the complexity of their relationship and the impact of Finney's control.
- 15
Life After Loss
Upon returning to the farm, Abigail and Dyer continue their chores, yet the emotional chasm between them widens. To cope with her grief over Tallie and Nellie, Abigail imagines a future where she could confront Finney and envisions Tallie comforting her in the afterlife.
Where:Farm
Who Are the Main Characters in The World to Come?
4 characters, among them Abigail (Katherine Waterston), Tallie (Vanessa Kirby) and Dyer (Casey Affleck): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Abigail (Katherine Waterston)
Played by Katherine Waterston
Abigail is a deeply complex character grappling with grief from the loss of her daughter. Her emotionally detached marriage to Dyer contrasts sharply with her passionate connection to Tallie. This yearning for intimacy drives her to seek solace in her friendship, ultimately leading to a romantic entanglement that challenges her understanding of love and loyalty.
- 🧑🌾 Grief
- 💕 Love
- 🎭 Complexity
-
Tallie (Vanessa Kirby)
Played by Vanessa Kirby
Tallie embodies a spirit of longing and desire, seeking freedom from her controlling husband. Her friendship with Abigail becomes a sanctuary for both, allowing her to express her true self. However, her tragic fate raises questions about the price of love and the impact of oppressive relationships.
- 🌹 Desire
- 🕊️ Freedom
- ⚡ Conflict
-
Dyer (Casey Affleck)
Played by Casey Affleck
Dyer is portrayed as a melancholic figure, struggling to cope with the death of his daughter. His emotional instability creates tension in his marriage with Abigail. As he becomes increasingly aware of her bond with Tallie, Dyer's feelings of jealousy and vulnerability challenge his sense of security and masculinity.
- 😢 Grief
- 🔒 Jealousy
- 🤔 Vulnerability
-
Finney (Christopher Abbott)
Played by Christopher Abbott
Finney is a controlling husband whose possessiveness creates an atmosphere of fear. His unsettling stories and actions raise suspicions about his character, contributing significantly to the story's tension. He embodies the theme of toxic masculinity and the destructive nature of jealousy in intimate relationships.
- 🔒 Control
- ⚔️ Jealousy
- 👀 Watchful
Where and When Is The World to Come Set?
The World to Come is set in Schoharie County, New York, Skaneateles area and Onondaga County (1856). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1856
The year 1856 was a period of significant societal change in America, marked by tensions leading up to the Civil War. During this time, rural communities often dealt with personal loss and rigid social norms, impacting relationships and individual freedoms. The 1850s also saw emerging movements advocating for women's rights amidst traditional roles.
Where
Schoharie County, New York, Skaneateles area, Onondaga County
Schoharie County in New York is known for its scenic countryside and rural farming life, providing a tranquil yet isolated environment for the characters. The region has a rich history and offers expansive landscapes that reflect both beauty and sorrow. The Skaneateles area, known for its picturesque lake, serves as a contrasting backdrop that highlights the emotional turmoil of the characters.
- 🌾 Rural
- 🌍 Nature
What Are the Themes of The World to Come?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love & Loss and Chaos & Control.
-
01
Love & Loss
The movie poignantly explores the themes of love and loss, showcasing how individuals navigate grief and emotional connection. Abigail's complex relationship with Tallie offers a glimpse into the transformative power of love amid tragedy. The longing for companionship in the wake of loss drives the character's actions and decisions throughout the film.
-
02
Chaos & Control
The theme of chaos vs. control is prevalent, as both Tallie and Abigail attempt to assert their autonomy within the confines of controlling relationships. The storms that disrupt their lives symbolize external turmoil that affects their internal worlds. The manipulation and power dynamics between the couples highlight the challenges of personal freedom.
What Kind of Film Is The World to Come?
Melancholic in tone, with slow pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Sad
A quietly somber and melancholic period piece that unfolds with slow intensity, charting the desperate yearning and tragic love affair between two isolated women bound by grief and societal constraints.
- lonely
- somber
- yearning
- quiet
- muted
- desperate
- grief and loss
- forbidden love
- repression
- marital strife
Content notes: domestic abuse, grief, death of a child, emotional abuse.
Quiz
How well do you remember The World to Come? Test yourself on the story.
